3

It's been one and a half weeks since our marriage. Dalton didn't force me to do anything and for that, I'm so grateful.

We didn't do anything fun as I wasn't in the mood to leave the room. Every time Dalton asks me to go out I'll make excuses to not go. I just wanted wallow in self-pity.

I can't get Carl out of my mind. I tried, god trust me I tried but my thoughts are full of our memories, our love.

I know he's not mine anymore and I should stop but I can't. He is imprinted in my heart, my soul. He's everywhere. I just lay in bed and relish in our memories.

Due to a work emergency, we have to end our honeymoon a week earlier. Our parents are business partners and both Miller brothers work for them.

Someone from the company has stolen a large amount of money. Our parents are freaking out so we have to end our honeymoon.

***

Dalton went to the office and I decided to check my business. I own a small boutique. I design most of the clothes there and I have some people working for me so I don't have to do all the work. I just draw designs and other works are done by them.

The moment I stepped inside I was pulled in a bear hug by my best friend/ manager, Amy. Amy is my best friend since the diaper.

She knows me like the back of her hands. She is in a relationship with Evan smith, Carl's best friend. They are in a relationship since they were in high school. They love each other with all their heart.

I'm sometimes jealous of their love. They can date in public, hold hand and kiss but I had to hide my relationship.

Amy pulled me towards her office. On the way, I greeted my workers with a professional nod. After entering her office she closed the door and made me sit on the sofa in her office.

"So tell me how was your honeymoon." " How is he in bed?" " Is he big?", she bombarded me with questions.

"Geez stop I'll everything", I sighed. "Um we didn't do anything, so I don't know if he's good in bed or if he is big", I told her the truth.

She's the only person who won't judge me. Ever. Regardless of the situation. So I told her everything including how I'm still hung up on Carl.

She looked at me. "Correct me if I'm wrong. You didn't do anything with your husband? And you're still hung up on your ex? Right? Did I hear clearly?", she asked me again to confirm and I nod.

She closed her eyes briefly before sighing. "Alyssa it's not my place to say anything but what you're doing is wrong", she said softly.

"I know but I can't forget him.", I replied.

"You have to forget him", she said angrily. "I'm your best friend Alyssa and I always want the best for you. You're playing with emotions here. You know how Dalton loves you. Hell, he always has been there for you."

"I know", I replied in clip tone.

" Whenever you had needed him he's there for you. He's your husband now Alyssa. You have to forget Carl. You know he's toxic for you. Don't let your past destroy your future".

Amy has always been against my relationship with Carl. "Your relationship is toxic. You need someone like Dalton in your life, not Carl who will slowly destroy you and all the people around you", her words not mine.

And the worst thing is that I know he's toxic for me but still I can't forget about him.

He's like a drug. Addictive. You know its dangerous for your health but you can't resist the temptation. He's exactly like a drug to me. I know he's toxic but I can't take him out of my system.

"Are you even listening to me", Amy's screech brought me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah I'm listening", I lied but she doesn't need to know.

"Yeah so as I was saying - you need to move on and give Dalton a chance. You know your husband has a lot of girls falling on his feet. Before anyone tries to snatch your candy man - eat him", she said and I tried my best not to laugh at her words. She has always called Dalton a candy man. Sweet. And every girl loves him.

I sighed. She's right. I can't let my future be destroyed by my past. The past which I was so hell-bent on keeping.

"You're right Amy. I need to let go and accept my fate. I can't hurt Dalton with my stubbornness. He doesn't deserve the shit I'm throwing at him", I said determinedly.

Amy smiles softly. "That's my girl", she said.

We discussed the work for 2 more hours before I decided to head home.

I parked outside our home. Home. Dalton has always been my home. I feel safe and secure around him. He was always there to protected me from any harm. He was always there whenever I was upset. He always cheered me up.

A tear escaped my eyes. He loves me and I'm the one hurting him. I looked down at the ring that adored my finger. I looked back up determined.

I'll forget about Carl. It'll not be easy but I'll try. For me. For my husband.

***